A Bite-Size Guide to Okinawa Prefecture Japan!
Okinawa is a Japanese Prefecture comprising more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan’s mainland. It’s mainly known for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and featuring the Churaumi Aquarium which is home to whale sharks and manta rays.
The largest island (also named Okinawa) has the Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating a massive 1945 Allied invasion. So lets get into why you need to visit Okinawa.
Plan your trip?
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The Okinawa Traditions and Culture
Bingata is unique to Okinawan. Is basically a colorful cloth created through use of dyes and stencil patterns tracing back centuries, to a time when Okinawa was the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Bingata used to be for royalty and was only permitted to be worn by the royal family and select upper class women who were authorized a bingata kimono. Each woman had her own private pattern, and law forbad others to use or copy it
Okinawa is known for its Ryukyu music, Ryukyu dance, Eisa-dance, and many other “only in Okinawa” traditions. These traditions originated in the 14th from the Chinese through the trade transit.
The Okinawa People
- The Okinawa People are known to live longer than most: Embracing an ikigai, which is their one reason for being, or their one purpose in life
- Comusing a high amount of Soy such as tofu and Miso Soup as well as relying on a plant based diet.
- Enjoying the good old sunshine
- Staying Active!
- Generally enjoying life and not letting the little things get them down!
What to do in Okinawa
There are so many things to do in Okinawa, here are a list of our favourite things to do!
Get up and close with the fish(es) at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Visit the Shurijo Castle – Shuri Castle is a Ryūkyūan gusuku. It was the palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed but it has since been renovated
Or just relax on the numerous amazing beaches such as:
- Nishihama Beach (voted as the best beach on Okinawa), its also a great beach for snorkeling off the beach to a close by coral reef.
- Yonaha Maehama Beach
- Kabira Bay (secluded hideout)
- Kondoi Beach
This article has been brought to you by Okinawa Prefecture
Waw, that plane looks amazing! I have always fancied a trip to Japan and now that I know there is a tropical island not far from the mainland Im very tempted for a city/island holiday!
Is it an expensive holiday destination once you get there? (food, drink ect)